Considering opening up our ranch house

7 years ago

Be assured that we will not move a muscle without consulting an engineer, but we are either going to move or do a big remodel, and are totally torn as to what to do.

This is the house as it is today.

Things to know:

The two bathrooms (purple) are both original from the 50's and I have super glued tiles in desperation, but they are done. They have to be demo'd and all the plumbing will need to be replaced, so moving things doesn't matter. There are 2 other bathrooms in the house off-screen that are renovated already.

The kitchen is in pretty good shape, we spiffed it up a few years ago and are fairly happy with it. But the pantry kind of stinks and that overflow pantry by the bathroom is a bummer.

We need to redo the floors and the front windows which are original.

Need to maintain the 2 LA's and office for sure. The DR doesn't get enough light. and that hallway to the bedrooms is super dark.

Here is my first take...would love opinions! I look at it in 3 main groups - the living/dining/living space, the kid bedroom/bath space, and the office/kitchen/bath space.

Thanks in advance for any advice!

Featured Answer

PRO

Debbi Washburn

7 years ago

Without even looking at your plans, my questions would be :

Have you looked into a new house? Is there a prevalent building market where you are for new construction?

In my area we don't have any new construction happening often so remodeling is the way to go. I do have people who will move so they can be in the absolute best location for their family and they they take on the large renovation.

If you can't find a new house that fits all your needs or it needs some renovations, then stay put and make it the best you can within your budget...

Good luck

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Comments (8)

PRO
Debbi Washburn
7 years ago
It looks like you are just opening up some walls... You may want to consider flipping your dining room and living room...in your plan you have made the dining room enormous but the living room gains nothing... just something to think about!
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User
7 years ago
What's your budget for two gut job bathrooms, all new flooring for everything, new windows? Have I missed anything in the scope?
debtex
Original Author
7 years ago
We are looking, but much of what we see requires the kind of work our house does or isn't our taste. Not into new builds as a general rule, they tend to be pretty cookie cutter where we live.

If I flip the dining and living, doesn't the house go from two LA to one? That's my main concern with that....I've considered it as well.

On the budget - we could probably spend quite a bit here and still come out ahead vs. buying a "done" house based on what we see in the market. If we can even find a "done" house, which is a bit of a unicorn. We are still on the hunt, because I really don't want to take on a big project like this...
sheepla
7 years ago
I'm confused. Is "LA" Living Areas? Where are your two living areas now? I just see one and an office. And how does flipping the dining and living room (which I think is a good idea) change the number?
eandhl2
7 years ago
Location!! If you like where you are vs the location of another house.
PRO
Debbi Washburn
7 years ago
I don't see how you have 2 living areas now... You have a living room kitchen and dining room. I think the dining room will be too large when you knock all the walls down. If you flip then you still have the intimacy of a formal dining room with the ability to expand a large table and then you will have a great room! A larger living room / kitchen entertaining space...

of course unless thats not what you want...
debtex
Original Author
7 years ago
The second drawing cuts off the second living area, it's no wonder you guys are confused by my comment!

The peachy/tan areas are living areas. If you look on the existing layout you will see there is one at the front of the house and one at the back with the dining room between them. Turning the DR into a living area would make it one giant contiguous living area, but we need separation from our kids. We love them but we do not love their video games, plus they like to pretend they don't live with us when their friends are over.

We are exploring all options - we are looking in another area that is a better location for us, but we are picky and won't move for something that's only "meh." If we upgrade this house it will wind up being less $ than moving but more $ than we can sell the house for. Both neighborhoods are desirable...we won't have any trouble selling this house if we decide to.

I have an engineer coming to do foundation work (sexy, right?) which is badly needed. I will have him also work on what would be necessary to remove/move walls. It's quite possible none of this is do-able, but we will find out for sure soon.